Open AccessThe involvement of endothelial progenitor cells in tumor angiogenesis
Author(s) -
Ribatti Domenico
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00319.x
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , cd34 , neovascularization , progenitor cell , cancer research , bone marrow , endothelial stem cell , progenitor , endothelial progenitor cell , medicine , biology , immunology , pathology , stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , in vitro , biochemistry
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been isolated from peripheral blood CD34, VEGFR‐2, or AC 133 (CD133) antigen‐positive cells, which may home to site of neovascularization and differentiate into endothelial cells in situ . Endothelial cells contribute to tumor angiogenesis, and can originate from sprouting or co‐option of neighbouring pre‐existing vessels. Emerging evidence indicate that bone marrow‐derived circulating EPCs can contribute to tumor angiogenesis and growth of certain tumors. This review article will summarize the literature data concerning this new role played by EPCs in tumor angiogenesis.